Since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire began on January 19, 2025, reports from Gaza indicate that aid intended for civilians is being diverted by Hamas for its own use or sold at inflated prices, according to local residents and anonymous sources. The ceasefire agreement mandates the entry of at least 600 aid trucks daily, including 50 carrying fuel, with half of the aid designated for northern Gaza. Despite this provision, Gaza residents claim the aid is not reaching them.
According to Palestinian sources shared anonymously on pro-Palestinian Telegram accounts, 50 fuel trucks that entered Gaza from Israel on January 23 were diverted to underground tunnels controlled by Hamas instead of being distributed to civilian gas stations in Rafah. Civilians reportedly attempting to purchase fuel for generators or vehicles were turned away by armed Hamas fighters.
In another incident in Rafah, Palestinian media confirmed that six people were executed for “collaborating” with Israel, and 17 others were shot in the legs for stealing humanitarian aid.
In previous interviews cited by Israeli Channel 12 News, Palestinian residents accused Hamas of stealing aid and selling it at exorbitant prices through merchants. “We don’t see any aid or goods at reasonable prices. One resident said, “Hamas steals the aid and sells it to merchants, who then set exorbitant prices at the expense of our entire people.”
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 897 aid trucks entered Gaza on January 23 alone, following 630 on January 21 and 915 on January 22.
4,200 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip through the various crossings over the past week, following inspection.
This is in accordance with the terms of the deal for the return of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity.
We look forward and anticipate the… pic.twitter.com/z14f59jpOh
— COGAT (@cogatonline) January 24, 2025
Under the ceasefire agreement, the daily aid shipments are intended to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where basic supplies are critically needed. The reports of diversion have raised concerns among international organizations and donor countries about the lack of transparency and accountability in distributing aid within the region.
